NPR News Now – September 16, 2025, 11PM EDT

Episode Overview

This episode delivers NPR’s signature concise update on the day's most significant national and international news stories. Topics covered include political confrontations over FBI leadership, the prosecution in the high-profile assassination of activist Charlie Kirk, updates on the latest COVID-19 vaccine efficacy, regulatory action against counterfeit drugs, President Trump’s UK visit, the escalating conflict in Gaza, and a remembrance of Hollywood legend Robert Redford.

Key News Segments and Insights

1. Senate Hearing: FBI Director Cash Patel Grilled

• [00:21–01:17]
  • Lawmakers in the Senate held a heated hearing with FBI Director Cash Patel, marked by sharp partisan divides.
  • Key Points:
    • Democrats accused Patel of politicizing the FBI and pressed him about firing respected senior agents.
    • Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) delivered a pointed critique:
      • Quote: “I believe you’re failing as a leader and that your failure does have serious implications for the safety and security of Americans and our families.” – Cory Booker [00:55]
    • Patel denied allegations of inappropriate dismissals, argued violent crime has decreased under his watch, and received Republican backing for his leadership.

2. Tyler Robinson Charged in Charlie Kirk Assassination

• [01:17–02:14]
  • 22-year-old Tyler Robinson faces aggravated murder and other charges for the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
  • Details:
    • Prosecutors allege Robinson targeted Kirk for his political views; he is now facing the death penalty.
    • Robinson shot Kirk from a rooftop, 160 yards away, during a speech attended by 3,000 people.
    • Police attribute a political motive, noting Robinson’s recent leftward shift and support for LGBTQ+ rights.
    • Investigators found a note Robinson left for his transitioning roommate stating:
      • Quote: “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” – Reported by Bobby Allen [02:08]

3. Moderna’s Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Data

• [02:14–03:06]
  • Moderna announces that their updated COVID-19 vaccine shows strong protection against circulating variants.
  • Highlights:
    • The vaccine increases neutralizing antibodies eightfold in those aged 12–64 at high risk, as well as adults 65+.
    • The CDC is reviewing vaccine eligibility, as the FDA has already narrowed who can receive it.
    • Advisors may soon affirm, expand, or further limit this eligibility.
    • Quote: “The vaccine’s a good match to the strains now circulating.” – Rob Stein [02:40]

4. FDA Cracks Down on Drug Knockoffs

• [03:06–03:24]
  • The FDA orders online sellers to stop marketing counterfeit versions of popular drugs, including WeGovy.
  • Takeaway: Dozens of companies are warned against false and misleading health claims.

5. President Trump’s Second UK State Visit

• [03:24–03:39]
  • President Trump becomes the first U.S. leader to make a second state visit to the UK.
  • Focus: Meetings with King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer occur against a backdrop of trade tensions.

6. Gaza: Major Israeli Ground Offensive

• [03:39–03:55]
  • Israeli forces launch their largest ground offensive since the war in Gaza began.
  • Thousands flee Gaza City; Israel dismisses a new UN Human Rights Council report labeling the situation “genocide.”

7. Hollywood Remembers Robert Redford

• [04:12–04:54]
  • Actor and Sundance Film Festival founder Robert Redford dies at 89.
  • Highlights:
    • Redford’s career spanned iconic roles and Oscar-winning direction.
    • Noted for creating the Sundance Film Festival in 1978 to foster independent cinema.
    • Memorable Quote from Redford (2017):
      • “What if we start a film festival where at least filmmakers could come and see each other’s work and form a community?” – Robert Redford [04:36]
    • The Sundance Institute credits Redford with launching a movement that redefined cinema worldwide.

8. Other Headlines

• [04:54–04:57]
  • U.S. futures remain flat in after-hours trading.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Cory Booker (D-NJ) to FBI Director Patel:
  • “I believe you’re failing as a leader and that your failure does have serious implications for the safety and security of Americans and our families.” [00:55]
• Note by Tyler Robinson re: Charlie Kirk assassination:
  • “I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and I’m going to take it.” [02:08]
• Robert Redford on Sundance’s founding vision:
  • “What if we start a film festival where at least filmmakers could come and see each other’s work and form a community?” [04:36]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Senate Grills FBI Director: 00:21–01:17
• Kirk Assassination & Charges: 01:17–02:14
• Moderna Vaccine Update: 02:14–03:06
• FDA Drug Knockoff Warning: 03:06–03:24
• Trump UK State Visit: 03:24–03:39
• Gaza Offensive: 03:39–03:55
• Robert Redford Remembered: 04:12–04:54

This episode efficiently condenses a turbulent day in politics, public health, and global affairs—punctuated by tributes to a Hollywood legend—delivering essential updates with NPR’s signature clarity and balance.